Footballers and striking expenses usually go hand in hand. We all saw the stories – supercars, watches, private islands. But behind the headlines there is a different trend that takes up speed: some players give serious money in startups.
How do footballers invest their money? nowadays? It is not just not only notes or the face of a protein shaking. A surprising number – past and present – supports real business. Tech platforms, wellness brands, eSports, clean energy, even fintech. Some invest softly, others build things from the ground up.
Some only test the water. Others are fully involved – to negotiate authentically guideManagement teams, sit in session halls.
This is not about fast benefit Or PR moves. At least not always. For some it is about finding the next chapter. For others it is an opportunity to shape just outside the field. Not every deal is a victory. Not every startup survived. But one thing is clear: the idea of Football investors is no more punch line.
Here are some that prove it.
Gerard Piqué already built something while he was still on the field
pike Don’t wait until his last game to found a company. During his time in Barça he helped with the start cosmosAnd no – it wasn’t just his name in the newspapers. He was at meetings. Build the Cooperation correct.
One of the first major headlines was the Davis Cup deal. Kosmos worked with Racuten and the ITF To redesign the entire tournament format. The number that was thrown around 3 billion US dollars – which sounds crazy. I don’t know if this figure ever hit it, but either way it was huge.
Finally, however, the deal fell apart. The ITF ended it in early 2023. No total mistake, but not what they had planned.
Apart from that, Kosmos also bought FC AndorraAnd he was also involved there – final decisions, direction, the boring parts that are not published on Instagram.
Some things worked. Others clearly didn’t. But the fact that he was already involved Property And business while still appearing for training every week? This is not common. I don’t know if it makes him a genius, but at least he didn’t wait for a media job to receive a media job after retirement.
Andrés Iniesta took the quiet path – and landed in the Japan’s startup scene
Iniestas The name is not so often appeared in these business lists, but it was busy – and most of it is connected to Japan. After he was joined Vissel KobeHe looked beyond football and finally got involved with local activities.
One of the more interesting is captainA football boat brand that he founded. It focuses on comfort and quality and the product is manufactured in Japan. Not loud or noticeable – like Iniesta itself.
He is also connected to each other Iki CompanyA Japanese company that works across wellness and lifestyle products. It is not clear how deep his commitment is, but his name is connected to that strategy and product selection.
Iniesta does not make large campaigns or sells hype – his focus seems to be on constant growth and Scalability. From the outside it looks like it is steadily striving for long -term DevelopmentNot faster profit. Very on fire.
Mathieu Flamini rose in Bio-Tech-Weg before it was cool
Flamini Co -founded GF biochemicals When he was still playing – and didn’t tell anyone. Even his teammates had no idea for a long time.
The company works with levulic acid, a molecule that can replace oil in things such as cosmetics, plastic and cleaning products. It is niche, scientifically high and about as far from football as it can.
Some time ago there were headlines that Flamini was a billionaire. That is not exactly, but sustainability work is real. GF has laboratories all over Europe and was involved in some important research projects.
This was not an influencer brand. It is a serious startup for green energy and it has been obliged to do so for over a decade. Simply one of the most surprising pivots on this whole list.
David Beckham built a brand and then turned it into a business empire
Beckham Before retirement, it was a global brand – so it is no surprise that he built an entire business structure around you. But he doesn’t just licens his name.
Be Investment ball Portfolio includes Inter Miami. He is one of the co -owners and played a massive role in the design of the club picture. The Messi deal alone has proven how strong its train is still, both on the field and on the negotiating table.
Beckham has invested in outside of football in Haig Club WhiskeyPresent House 99 careand even worked on interior designers Partnerships in Asia. He’s doing it with him BrandingPresent franchiseand long -term property.
No, he does not lead every company himself – but it is more involved on a high level. And his ability to turn attention into actual attention Pursue? This is an ability not every ex-footballer.
Robert Lewandowski keeps his movements calm – but they add up
Lewandowski Doesn’t make much noise about his business UndertakingsBut it builds a portfolio. One of his biggest games was in NutriprofitsA platform that supports affiliate marketers in the area of health surcharge.
He started too Storer9A branding and marketing Agency helps athletes and creators to manage their image. He is a partial owner and seems to be involved in both Networking And Expansion.
Real estate and e-commerce companies are also spoken in Poland, but it keeps things away from the radar.
So far, his movements have felt calculated. It is a clever example of Diversification That is not based on headlines.
Michael Owen stayed near the sport – and horses
Owens Not one for technology Startups Or striking undertakings. He sticks to what he knows – violently, fitness and horse racing.
He is supported Horeltrainer hubA platform that aims to make riding strips more accessible and digital. He also invested in FastAn eSports racing team.
That makes sense – it has a racing team and has been in this world for years. Be investment History is not about disturbances. It is about leaning into its real interests.
Some of his previous business movements (including crypto things) did not go so well. But the new ones seem to be more grounded.
Mats Hummels relies on sports technicians
Bumblebee Is not the loudest name in this area, but he has tacit money in sports analysis and data -tech companies.
A confirmed investment is in WingfieldA tennis performance -tracking startup. It focuses on helping players and trainers to access better data – something that becomes a large part of all sports.
He also performed at startup events in Germany and supported some football tech platforms. There are not much public details, but it is enough to show that he thinks in the long term.
It’s not about big PR moments for him. It looks more like a personal interest – and maybe even after Mentoring alongside.
Chris Smalling takes sustainability Seriously
From all names here, Chris Smalling is probably the most involved in vegetable and sustainable companies. He has invested in companies The (Plant base meat) and High (Supplementary brain health).
He is also supported Karma bitesA vegan snack brand, and is loud beyond environmental problems. This is not just passive investments – he was sitting in consulting bodies and has helped with marketing and product development.
It is pretty clear that he builds a niche about wellness, sustainability and ethical investments. Not the usual route for a defender, but it works for him.
Jens Lehmann’s focus is on FinTech and finance
Lehmanns Several things have been done since retirement, including coaching and expert work. But in terms of business, his perspective is more funded.
It was associated with FinTech startups in Germany, including one that focuses on smart investing for younger users. He also spoke publicly about financial competence for athletes and even consulted with prosperity management Platforms.
Not a big technical start or a wild company here-a clear interest in financial services and how athletes can better manage in the long term Assets.
So … do this Investment Always work?
Not really. Footballer Who invest Intelligently, you can see solid returns. Others return something that sounds good, only to plunge by six months later. That is gambling.
What helps is mentoring, good consultants and understanding the product or the platform. If the players only throw money into money without being involved, things rarely go well.
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